Photography

This is the clock tower of the federal building in Lethbridge. It was constructed between 1912-1913 and just recently gained it's place as a historic site in Lethbridge. The top of the tower is made of copper. To learn more about it's historical, architectural, and environmental values you can see the full history here.

I talked a bit about the Tour of Alberta in the Photo of the Day post for August 29. Yesterday I had the opportunity to be able to attend the race! The photos from the race will comprise the photos of the day for yesterday and today.

The race started at 4:50 p.m. and consisted of 9 laps of a predetermined route. In total it was 106.9 km or 66.4 miles.

Before the race began the bikers were warming up and getting ready for the race. Below are a few pictures of this stage.

It was exhilarating to watch the start and see how fast these athletes could pick up speed. For the first lap I stayed downtown and watched them round a tight corner just before the lap line. (Photos below)

For the next lap I went back to the finish line to see some of the excitement going on there. It was great to see everyone out supporting the racers from all over the world.

I found a great vantage point on the parkade beside the Lethbridge Center.

I headed down the course to get some pictures out of downtown. It was great to see people all along the course cheering on the bikers. ​I got a great shot of the leader with a big smile on his face!

Riding down along the course I saw a beautiful sight. A big Italian flag being flown! Having lived in Italy I was pretty excited to see someone cheering on the Italians in the race. Any chance to speak Italian makes my day!This spot was at the top of the King of the Mountain stage of the race. Bikers had to climb from the bottom of the river valley back to the top of Scenic Drive N. I did it on my way back up from taking pictures down in the valley and I was exhausted halfway up the hill, so doing that nine times is very impressive.

I road out to the top of the coulee hills to get a good view of more of the race. From here I was able to get a picture of the racers with the High Level Bridge in the background.

At the bottom of the valley it was perfect to grab some pictures. The roads had been closed off so there were very few spectators that were down there.

For the second last lap I went partway up the hill. They still were flying going uphill.

For the last lap I just continued partway up the hill. It was exciting to see the final push of the bikers during the last lap.

So in the end here were the results of the day:

Colin Joyce of the United States won the Sprint, Best Young Rider, and Overall Winner with a time of 2.23'18".

Danilo Celano of Italy won King of the Mountain.

Antoine Duchesne of Québec was the best Canadian with a time of 2.23'31", fifth overall.

This is a reflection of the Historic Lethbridge Firehall #1 in Lethbridge, Alberta. It boasts a large bell tower, arched, recessed windows, and a beautiful brick construction in an Italianate style. The reflection is on the Chancery Court of Lethbridge. Lethbridge Firehall #1 is the oldest and one of the finest brick fire halls. After it's construction from 1908-1909 it was the fire station, police station, and the Municipal Public Building.The "!" August 19, 2016 photo of the day is also on this firehall. (View here)

This evening, in preparation for the Tour of Alberta 2016 Bike Race, there was a "Bike-in" movie at the Galt Gardens in downtown Lethbridge. They showed short films all based on bikes:

The Man Who Lived on His Bike – Canada, 2012, 3mins

Good Bye, Bike – Canada, 2015, 3mins

Cold Rolled – USA, 2014, 20mins

The Cardboard Bike Project – Israel, 2012, 6mins

Bike City, Great City – Canada, 2013, 40mins

Bicicles – Canada, 2016, 5mins

Familia Ciclista – Canada, 2015, 17mins

Life Cycles – Canada, 2010, 47mins

There are events going on all week in Lethbridge in preparation for the first day of the race and the Lethbridge leg on September 1. From 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on the 1st there is a festival at the Galt Gardens. You can watch the race from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. that same day.

On Tuesday, August 30 at Crossings Shopping Centre there is a Family Cycling Day where you can meet some of the cyclists that will be in the race.

Some festival highlights for Thursday will be a kids' zone with bounce castles, balloon artists, and a BBQ, a bike valet, an art area with interactive, family art activities, exciting vendors, and a radio D.J. all day.

The Tour of Alberta is Canada's first and highest ranked professional road cycling stage race. It is held over 4 days (September 1-5) and will have approximately 120 bikers from across the world. The 5 stages of the race will be in Lethbridge, Olds and Kananaskis, Drayton Valley, and Edmonton. Check out the festivals in each of these locations to participate in the fun!

I know I've posted a photo of the High Level Bridge before but as we were having a fire down in Indian Battle Park below it last night, I couldn't help myself but take another picture with the beautiful sunset lighting that was glowing.If you want more info about on the High Level Bridge, go to my August 2, 2016 Photo of the Day blog post!Here's some info about Indian Battle Park. It is located in the Oldman River Valley. It has many picnic areas that can be booked or just walked into, Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre, a nature centre, numerous playgrounds, fishing opportunities along the river, and kilometres upon kilometres of trails. It's a beautiful park to get out of the wind and enjoy the summer weather!

Welcome!​

Hello readers! I'm Brian, an amateur photographer. I will be posting photos I take, reviews of products, and any tips I can offer to fellow photographers out there! I hope you feel welcome to read, leave comments, and create discussion! Check out other posts on my Niume account here: Brian Sloan Blog